CWRT TOURS SURVEY ANALYSIS

Many CWRTs conduct tours of various battlefields and/or other history-related places. But, the vast majority DO NOT rely on their tours for operating funds. Of those preferred battlefields, the grand daddy of them all is GETTYSBURG. Recruitment for tour participants varies between a broad community to a restricted set of CWRT members. Click the link to read the results in detail.

• Tours developed and operated by a CWRT should not be conducted as a way to enhance the organization’s treasury.

• When considering a CWRT-sponsored tour, select a battlefield that is widely known such as Gettysburg so as to maximize member involvement.

• CWRT-sponsored tours should be scheduled during the Spring and/or Fall.

• A CWRT should consider obtaining liability insurance for each tour.

• For CWRTs that seek participation from non-members, develop a comprehensive marketing plan and not rely on word-of-mouth or other means not under CWRT control.

• CWRT-sponsored tours that involve a partnership with another CWRT or history-related organization should be considered.

• CWRTs that are unsure of the tour planning process are encouraged to contact a professional Civil War tour organization.

• Partnering with a local college or university to develop tour participants may also lead to recruitment of more CWRT student members.

• Those CWRTs that require an overabundance of non-members should reconsider the nature, cost and scope of their plans before proceeding.